CMU raises more than $90,000 for county United Way

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Central Michigan University collected more than $90,000 this semester for the United Way of Isabella County.

CMU is the biggest contributor to the campaign, said Nichole Bliss, executive director for the United Way of Isabella County.

“Central Michigan University is our largest employee campaign,” she said. “CMU is more than just an educational institution; it is comprised of caring individuals that not only give back academically, but also give time, talent and treasure to a number of community organizations.”

United Way’s goal is to engage citizens in a community to all come together in an effort to support human services that improve people’s lives, Bliss said. The organization measures the results of donations not by the dollars raised and distributed, but by the overall impact they have had on the people’s lives, she said.

The $90,000 donated is an increase of more than $4,000 from last year and is remarkable in today’s tough economic times, said Maxine Kent, associate vice president of Human Resources.

“In these difficult economic times, I think it is fantastic that employees are willing to donate to help those less fortunate,” she said. “Money is tight for everyone, and the need this year is so much greater. I am so glad we have met our goal.”

United Way provides vital support to 19 partner agencies, including 21 health and human service programs within the county.

“This money is given directly to United Way of Isabella County. They have a process called ‘funds distribution,’ where community members listen to the needs of the partner agencies and help decide how the money should be allocated,” Kent said. “This amazing increase will be of great assistance to these institutions and provide them with the care and support that they will need.”

As far as fundraising for this cause, Marykaye Murphy, Board of Trustees assistant and record-keeper of United Way contributions at CMU, said many different groups at CMU contributed to the charity drive.

“In terms of fundraising, the university asked for volunteers to serve as solicitors for their area,” she said. “These solicitors attended a training session and then contacted their colleagues and encouraged them to consider giving a gift.”

United Way continues to be a successful organization and its dedicated members excel in providing money to those in need, Bliss said.

“This support is critical to those that utilize the services. For many it provides a second chance at life,” she said.

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